Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
One of the most significant architects in Denmark’s history and a pioneer of Danish functionalism in Scandinavian, mid-century modern furniture, Vilhelm Lauritzen maintained a lifelong belief that design is an art for the people.
Born in the town of Slagelse in 1894, Lauritzen had an early interest in architecture and design. He graduated from the Sorø Akademi in 1912 and the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1922. That year, Lauritzen founded the Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects studio.
Travel to Spain, Greece and throughout Central Europe influenced his architectural work. His first major project was in 1928, when he designed the Daell’s Department Store in Copenhagen. Subsequent notable design projects included the Nørrebro Theater in 1931, the Radiohuset building in 1936 and Copenhagen Airport’s first terminal in 1939, inspired by Swiss-born architect Le Corbusier.
Although architecture was among Lauritzen’s chief passions — he was also an avid lepidopterist — he was keenly interested in the furnishings of his projects, designing everything from chairs and settees to door handles and ashtrays. His influential creations include the iconic VL 38 “Radiohus” table and the VL 45 “Radiohus” pendant light — a powerful downward light that provides a gentle illumination through handblown, white opal glass. Both were designed for Danish furniture manufacturer Louis Poulsen in collaboration with Danish designer Finn Juhl. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s lamps and wall sconces, which have obliquely angled lamp heads, were likewise designed in partnership with Poulsen for the Radiohuset building in the 1930s.
Lauritzen remained active in his studio until 1969, overseeing numerous architecture projects in the 1950s, such as the Shellhuset building, Folkets Hus — known today as the VEGA concert hall — and the Danish Embassy in Washington, DC.
Lauritzen died in 1984. His legacy lives on with Vilhelm Lauritzen Architects still operating in Copenhagen’s Nordhavn district, and his elegant lamps remain in production by Louis Poulsen.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen lighting, seating, tables and more.
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
1930s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Mahogany
20th Century Unknown Louis XVI Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Cane, Wood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
19th Century British Victorian Antique Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Brass
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Cane, Wood, Seagrass
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather, Rosewood
1970s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Leather
20th Century French Louis XVI Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Cane, Wood
Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Fabric, Wood, Beech
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Teak, Upholstery
1790s American American Colonial Antique Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Muslin, Upholstery, Mahogany
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Steel
1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Vilhelm Lauritzen Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Brass
